"Hokage! Urgent news!" A loud shout resounded throughout the corridor.

"Come in." An old man's voiced replied.

"Pardon my intrusion, Hokage!" The door opened. A thin man entered the room, wearing a dark green leather vest. He has a mask covering his entire face.

He knelt on one knee and said, "While patrolling the Guranda Forest in the northern area, we found out something terrible."

Hokage. A title bestowed on the village's leader and considered to be the strongest shinobi in the village of Konohagakure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi who was busy working on tons of paperwork stood up, his eyes narrowed by the sudden news, "What is it? Is the Sand again?"

His hair was grey, his face was gaunter, and he has the wrinkles and liver spots. Hiruzen Sarutobi was deep in thought, 'are they making a move again?'

"We saw Guranda Forest destroyed -- no, it was burned. We're still trying to figure out if the Sand's were behind it."

"Burned?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised, "I need to investigate this one. Is there anything else you want to report?"

"Yes, Hokage. One thing, we also found out that all members of Phantom Society, a C-rank criminal bandit group were all presumed killed. Endo Shunsen who was a B-rank ninja was also found dead in the area. It also appears that the incident happened not too long ago."

'Phantom Society... Is this incident heaven sent? To begin with, they were a pain in the ass and also those beasts. I'm glad that someone did it. But who was it? I don't know someone on Sand who is a Fire user... We need to investigate this further.'

"Understood, thank you for the urgent news. Please keep on patrolling our borders. Tighten up our security if necessary. And also, contact Guy immediately as this is a serious matter."

"Understood, Hokage!"

Soon, the skinny man disappeared in his sight.

Moments later, a guy appeared wearing a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers, and the standard Konoha flak jacket. He has a shiny bowl style haircut and remarkably thick eyebrows.

He bowed down and said, "Hokage! Might Guy at your service!"

"Great to see you, Guy." Hiruzen Sarutobi replied with a smile on his wrinkled face. "There's something I want to discuss with you about the Guranda Forest. I want you to look at it."

"It's my pleasure. There's no need to hold back, Hokage!"

"...."

"...."

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained the current situation and also shared his personal view on the matter to Guy.

After the explanation, Guy bid his goodbye and left the room.

Hiruzen stared out of the window and saw numerous buildings, kids running carelessly around the street. He smiled and said to himself, "Hoping to see this war ended. Please be safe."

"Is it okay to send Guy over that mission?" Suddenly a male voice sounded in the room. "Guy is still inexperienced, Hokage. It will be a great loss for us if something happens to him."

A tall man with a yellow hair appeared out of nowhere.

"Of course, I believe in Guy's ability." Sarutobi Hiruzen answered in a low voiced. He sat on his chair and added, "He needs to experience it. We are in a dangerous situation right now. Countries are fighting for each other. We don't know how long this war will last."

The yellow-haired man walked near the window and stared outside. He nodded and remained silent.

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt the situation got serious and asked a random question, "By the way, how is your son?" He then examined the papers scattered on his desk.

"He's doing fine. I believe he will be a great ninja when he grows up."

"Well, he should be. Knowing your strength. I will not be surprised if he inherits your strength."

"I'm still not strong."

Hiruzen put the papers down and stood up. He stood beside him and said, "Then, you need to train harder. For your son, for your wife, friend, and for our people."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words penetrated on the man's heart. His eyes glowed as if a light embraced him. He clenched his fist and said, "Yes, for everyone."

"I'm relieved hearing that from you. Haha" Sarutobi laughed out loud as put his hand on the man's shoulder.

[ Health Points: 340/500

Stamina: 70/100 ]

[ Reduce movement speed by 20%

Stamina consumption increased by 30% ]

Two status windows hovered in the top-right corner of Zheng's view.

'Fighting them at my current state will be difficult.'

Then the two wolves began to move. They approached Zheng and Gozu with a ferocious look. Each of their steps makes Zheng's heartbeat wild. 'What can I do? With my current strength, I can't face them.'

Gozu retreated slowly, "Master? What are we gonna do?"

Zheng's mind keeps looking out for a way out.

'!!!' Suddenly Zheng remembered something. 'Perhaps? I need to do it though I don't know if it will be a great leap.'

He hurriedly opened up his character window screen.

[" Character Information

Name: Zheng

Level: 1 (0/1000) (1000 experience points to Lvl. 2)*

Experience points: 8500

Grade: 0

Power Stone Points: 775

Skills: Swift (Passive) (Lvl. 1)(0/400) (400 experience points to Lvl. 2)*

Strength: 10

Stamina: 13

Intelligence: 10

Endurance: 1

Agility: 20 "]

'Hope this works!'